Residency Interview Prep

Search, practice, and track progress. Press / to focus search, ↑/↓ to navigate cards, Enter to open guidance.

All Adaptability Advocacy Behavioral Burnout Career Career Goals Challenges Clinical Scenarios Communication Conflict Conflict Resolution Core Decision-Making Diversity & Inclusion Equity Ethical Ethics Experience Feedback Hypothetical scenarios Interprofessional Collaboration Introduction Leadership Miscellaneous Motivation Patient Encounter Patient Safety Personal Personal Attributes Professional Growth Professionalism Program Fit Quality Improvement Research Residency CV Resilience Resource Stewardship Self-Reflection Specialty Specialty-Specific Systems-Based Practice Teaching Teamwork Telemedicine Time Management Top Wellness
Showing 337–348 of 482

What’s your approach to see yourself balancing the role of being both the medical physician for chronic ENT conditions and a surgeon performing intricate procedures?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
Interviewers want to see if you understand that ENT is both a medical and surgical specialty. They’re checking if you appreciate how these roles work together to provide the best patient care.
Best practices
  • Highlight your understanding of both medical and surgical aspects of ENT.
  • Share specific examples of how you would integrate both roles in patient care.
  • Express enthusiasm for the versatility of the specialty and how it enhances patient relationships.
What to avoid
  • Don’t focus only on one aspect, like surgery, and dismiss the medical side.
  • Avoid vague statements; be specific about how you plan to balance both roles.
  • Don’t forget to show your passion for comprehensive patient care; it’s key!

A patient with advanced head and neck cancer requires surgery, radiation, and long-term rehabilitation. As the ENT resident involved in their care, how would you coordinate with oncologists, speech-language pathologists, and nutritionists to make sure continuity of care?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your understanding of the teamwork needed in advanced head and neck cancer care. The interviewer wants to see how well you can communicate and collaborate with different specialists to provide comprehensive care.
Best practices
  • Highlight your role in leading a multidisciplinary team and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
  • Discuss specific strategies for communication, like using tumor boards or regular check-ins.
  • Emphasize the importance of patient-centered care, focusing on both treatment and quality of life.
What to avoid
  • Don't treat each specialist's role as separate; show how they all work together.
  • Avoid vague communication strategies; be specific about how you'll keep everyone informed.
  • Don't forget to mention the patient's holistic needs; it's not just about the surgery.

A professional singer develops vocal cord nodules and is worried about losing their career. How would you approach counseling and managing this patient, balancing medical treatment, surgical options, and their quality-of-life concerns?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks how well you can communicate and empathize with a patient facing a tough situation. It’s about showing you understand their fears and can guide them through their treatment options while considering their career.
Best practices
  • Start by acknowledging the patient's fears about their career and listen actively to their concerns.
  • Outline all treatment options clearly, including medical management, voice therapy, and surgical options, while emphasizing the importance of preserving their singing voice.
  • Engage the patient in shared decision-making, discussing the pros and cons of each option in relation to their professional goals.
What to avoid
  • Don't dismiss the patient's career concerns or make them feel like their worries are unimportant.
  • Avoid jumping straight to surgery without discussing other options like voice therapy first.
  • Steer clear of a paternalistic tone; make sure to involve the patient in the decision-making process.

What recent advance in otolaryngology excites you most, and how do you see it changing clinical care during your career?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks if you're curious about the field and aware of new trends. Interviewers want to see if you can connect recent advances to patient care and your future role in ENT.
Best practices
  • Pick a specific recent advance in otolaryngology that genuinely excites you.
  • Explain why this advance is significant and how it will change patient care.
  • Connect the advance to your own career plans and how you want to engage with it.
What to avoid
  • Don't be vague or mention outdated advances; show you're up-to-date.
  • Avoid generic excitement; make sure to explain why the advance matters.
  • Don't forget to discuss potential challenges or ethical issues related to the advance.

How would your approach differ between a patient needing complex reconstructive surgery versus an adult seeking an elective cosmetic procedure?

Specialty Specialty-Specific Patient Encounter
Why this question?
This question checks if you understand the differences between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Interviewers want to see how you tailor your approach based on patient needs and the ethical considerations involved.
Best practices
  • Highlight the different goals: function restoration for reconstructive vs. aesthetic enhancement for cosmetic.
  • Discuss the importance of understanding patient psychology and managing expectations for both types of surgery.
  • Mention the need for a multidisciplinary approach in reconstructive cases and the ethical considerations in cosmetic procedures.
What to avoid
  • Don't oversimplify the differences; it's not just about the type of surgery but the patient's journey.
  • Avoid generic responses that don't address the unique emotional and psychological aspects of each patient type.
  • Steer clear of focusing only on technical skills; emphasize patient-centered care and communication.

Social media heavily influences cosmetic trends. What ethical difficulties does this pose for plastic surgeons, and how might you address them in your practice?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks if you understand the ethical dilemmas in plastic surgery that social media creates, like unrealistic expectations and body image issues. Interviewers want to see your critical thinking and how you prioritize patient safety over trends.
Best practices
  • Identify specific ethical challenges like unrealistic expectations and body dysmorphia.
  • Propose patient-centered strategies, like thorough counseling and psychological screening.
  • Discuss your commitment to ethical marketing and transparent communication on social media.
What to avoid
  • Don't dismiss social media's impact; it's a big deal in shaping patient expectations.
  • Avoid focusing only on profit or popularity; show you care about patient well-being.
  • Don't ignore mental health issues; be ready to discuss how you'd handle them ethically.

Emerging technologies like 3D-printed implants are advancing. How do you evaluate whether a new technology or technique is appropriate to use in your clinical care?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
Interviewers want to see how you think critically about new tech and ensure patient safety. They’re looking for your approach to balancing innovation with caution.
Best practices
  • Start by emphasizing patient safety and efficacy as your top priorities.
  • Mention the importance of reviewing scientific literature and distinguishing between marketing hype and real evidence.
  • Talk about consulting with colleagues and considering ethical implications, like managing patient expectations.
What to avoid
  • Don't just jump on the latest trend without doing your homework.
  • Avoid vague statements; be specific about how you evaluate new technologies.
  • Don't ignore ethical concerns or the potential risks of new methods.

What ethical issues do you consider when a minor or teenager requests a cosmetic procedure, such as otoplasty for prominent ears?

Specialty Specialty-Specific Ethical
Why this question?
This question digs into your ethical reasoning and judgment when dealing with minors in cosmetic surgery. Interviewers want to see if you understand the complexities of consent, psychological maturity, and the long-term implications of such procedures.
Best practices
  • Discuss the importance of both parental consent and the minor's assent, showing you value their understanding and desire.
  • Highlight the need for a thorough psychological assessment to check for issues like body dysmorphic disorder or external pressures.
  • Emphasize the permanence of cosmetic procedures and how a teenager's identity is still evolving, which can affect their decision.
What to avoid
  • Don't just focus on getting parental consent; neglecting the minor's perspective can raise red flags.
  • Avoid oversimplifying the procedure as just a quick fix without considering the psychological implications.
  • Steer clear of suggesting a rushed decision; a cooling-off period is crucial for thoughtful consideration.

Plastic surgery often involves multidisciplinary care, such as with oncologists for head and neck cancer reconstruction. How would you collaborate with other specialists in managing such a case?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your understanding of teamwork in complex cases. Interviewers want to see if you can effectively collaborate with various specialists to provide the best care for patients.
Best practices
  • Acknowledge the complexity of the case and the need for a team approach.
  • Mention specific specialists you'll work with and how you'll communicate with them.
  • Emphasize early involvement in planning and keeping the patient at the center of decisions.
What to avoid
  • Don't just focus on your role; show how you fit into the bigger picture.
  • Avoid vague statements; be specific about how you'll collaborate and communicate.
  • Don't forget to mention the patient's needs and how they guide the treatment plan.

Some reconstructions require staged procedures, such as tissue expansion before final reconstruction. How would you plan and communicate a long-term staged treatment strategy with a patient?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question is all about seeing how well you can explain complex treatment plans to patients. Interviewers want to know if you can manage expectations and keep the patient informed and supported throughout a long process.
Best practices
  • Start with a detailed discussion about the entire treatment journey, not just the first step.
  • Use simple language and visuals to explain complex terms, making sure the patient understands.
  • Set realistic expectations about outcomes and timelines, and involve the patient in decision-making.
What to avoid
  • Don't rush through your explanation or skip important details.
  • Avoid using too much medical jargon without clarifying what it means.
  • Don't forget to address the emotional impact of the treatment and how you'll support the patient through it.

Minimally invasive treatments such as Botox and fillers are popular. How do you see the role of traditional plastic surgery evolving alongside these non-surgical options?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
Interviewers want to see if you understand how traditional plastic surgery fits with the growing trend of non-surgical treatments. They’re looking for your insight into how these options can work together for patient care.
Best practices
  • Clearly explain the different roles of surgical vs. non-surgical treatments.
  • Talk about how both can complement each other in patient care.
  • Emphasize the importance of educating patients on their options and outcomes.
What to avoid
  • Don't dismiss non-surgical options as just fads or quick fixes.
  • Avoid being vague; give specific examples of how treatments can work together.
  • Don't forget to highlight the unique expertise of plastic surgeons in both areas.

Approach a patient who you suspect may have body dysmorphic disorder but is requesting multiple cosmetic procedures?

Specialty Specialty-Specific
Why this question?
This question checks your ethical judgment and communication skills in a tricky situation. Interviewers want to see if you can recognize signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and prioritize the patient's well-being over their surgical requests.
Best practices
  • Acknowledge the signs of BDD and explain why surgery might not help.
  • Focus on the patient's mental health and express your commitment to 'do no harm'.
  • Communicate gently and empathetically, validating their feelings while discussing your concerns.
What to avoid
  • Don't just focus on the surgery; ignore the psychological aspects.
  • Avoid being confrontational or dismissive about their desires.
  • Don't skip the referral for psychological evaluation; it's crucial for their well-being.
0 / 0
0:00